Darla - March 31, 1973
Way back on March 31, 1973, my sister and her boyfriend were married. Bill Rister was just beginning to try his hand at picture-taking, so he was pressed into service for the photos.
Dad and Darla coming down the aisle
It was a hard-earned wedding since Mom and Dad weren’t particularly fond of Dave. He had long hair and played in a band and lived in Jane Strong’s basement. It must have helped that he cut his hair.
Jack Hall was the minister.
Here are some of Darla’s words about being married:
It was March 31, 1973. I was a senior in high school. The Monday morning that followed that weekend I found myself in Geography class being called on to write my name on the blackboard as an example for some illustration. I didn’t write Darla Rutherford (who I had been for the past 17 years) I wrote Darla Martin. I had gotten married that weekend at the First Baptist Church in Shawneetown. Some memorable things I will never forget: My colors were centered around my best friend’s prom dress that she was going to wear for the bridesmaid dress, my wedding dress was rented, my cake was bought at the IGA bakery, and the person that was supposed to sing cancelled at the last minute and the piano player sang “Color My World”. (As I’m writing this…I’m wondering where my sister was…that is a mystery to me). Now, 39 years later….I love this man more than I did the day I married him. He loves Jesus, loves his wife, and loves his family.
Churnie and Amy Rutherford, Darla and Dave Martin, Charlene and Jack Martin
Nancy Strong was Darla’s best friend… and this is her prom/wedding dress.
Nancy as the lovely maid of honor
Dennis Charleton and Mom
Not sure who the young boy is, but the other two are Dave's mom and dad
My Mom was escorted down the aisle by Dave’s friend, Dennis. As I look at these pictures, I realize my Mom was 53 and my Dad was just 49.
These pics have been in a small album, that is now falling apart at the seams, since 1973. Some of the pictures tore as I was trying to remove them. You can see the ghost-like discoloration on them.
The very next month my daughter, Keely, was born, so I was very pregnant at this time. It’s not like me to keep a low profile no matter how huge I would have been, so I can only surmise that Darla did not want the bulging belly being seen!! But I looked very spiffy in my maternity dress with my hair all curled. Yes, Darla, I was there.
I love the pictures of Dave and Darla feeding each other cake. They look so prim and proper!
I can't get over how little that cake looks!
She should have taken a class on how to feed cake to your husband
The happy married couple... just a couple of kids
The newlyweds with their Maid of Honor Nancy Strong and Best man David Dortch
apronsandappetites 
This was such a fun read! I remember this era well. I was 7 years old then. I remember Darla looking like that and I remember Nancy Strong and her straight hair. I even remember Dennis. Thanks for the walk down memory lane!
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Gosh! I can’t believe you remember all of them! That’s amazing. I can barely remember everyone. hahahaha
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Wow Brenda………what memories that brought back!Almost made me cry.I noticed Mom in the back rt. pew……..and my ex. in the back left….ha.Mom always had a soft spot for David.I really miss you and Darla.
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I have laughed my socks off….mainly because this is all true!!! I forgot you were pregnant, thanks for clearing that up for me 🙂 and yes, I am sure I didn’t want you sportin’ that belly in my wedding pictures 🙂
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I remember those times, but can’t remember if I was there or not! My two best friends Darla and Nancy:) Loved our times together. I thought it was so neat that David lived in the basement! Amy and Jane were special! David and Darla were so young but what a great love story it has turned out to be…
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So,after you married, did you live in the basement with Dave? LOL I remember all this so well.
Congratulations on making it work and grow! With Jesus as your guide, you can do anything!
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